Introduction - Learning Facilitator
Facilitator introduction to unit:
This site is used for the redesign of the 8th grade math unit on transformations - translations, rotations, and reflections. This unit is revolved around performing the types of transformations using different methods as well as performing multiple transformations on a given point, line, or shape. Currently the material requires learners to use only a transparency to perform the transformations. Using the transparency takes away from actually learning the properties of the transformation and causes learners to focus on the use of transparency as opposed to the transformation at hand. Continue through the site to see the changes I have made to make the unit more learner friendly.
Standards covered:
8.G.A.1 Verify experimentally the properties of rotations, reflections, and translations:
a. Lines are taken to lines, and line segments to line segments of the same length.
b. Angles are taken to angles of the same measure.
c. Parallel lines are taken to parallel lines.
Rationale for the tools used throughout the unit:
The first area of focus is visualization. This unit is missing the visualization piece learners need. Learners need to see worked examples and the transformations themselves but the unit doesn’t allow for tools that provide useful worked examples or discussions.
Screencast as worked through examples. These screencasts are necessary specifically for the nature of the content. The screencasts that will be used are showing learners primarily how to use the tool at hand so that learners can then focus on the transformations as opposed to the mechanics of the tool.
Sketchpad can be used to perform transformations without using a coordinate plane - a requirement of the curriculum. Learners are able to use this tool to be able to manipulate the objects at hand to visualize the transformations that have to occur.
https://www.mathplayground.com/TransformationWorkshop/ This tool is great for learners to see how to transform different shapes. Learners have the ability to choose and perform different transformations and check for understanding along the way.
Edpuzzle is a great tool to show learners what happens to an object during the different transformations. It also has a dual purpose where the learning facilitator can check learners understanding of the material at hand.
The second area of focus is engagement/real world applications. This unit does not contain real world applications where learners can see how transformations apply to their lives. Learners are not seeing how these lessons pertain to their lives which has caused limited engagement.
Pixar in a box using khan academy, specifically the sets & staging unit. This mini unit allows learners to apply different transformations to the Toy Story set. Learners will come back to this periodically throughout the transformations unit to continue working on their set.
Popplet with ideas of real world applications of transformations. For example, as a class when starting reflections, learners are asked to look at a picture of a flower sitting on a lake and take note of their observations. Through the different videos, discussions and activities, learners should be able to compile a list of different real world scenarios in which transformations can be found.
The third area of focus is lack of instant feedback. This unit does not contain instant feedback that allows learners to improve along the way. Learners could potentially do all of the transformations wrong before finding out.
Khan academy is great for supplementary material, as learners are given instant feedback when performing transformations. Learners are able to quickly know whether or not they are performing the transformations at hand correctly.
Pixar in a box using khan academy, specifically the sets & staging unit. This unit allows learners to create the set for Toy Story. As learners are continuing to add to the set they can check their understanding. If necessary, they can make adjustments then check again.
https://www.mathplayground.com/TransformationWorkshop/
This simulation allows learners to perform different transformations with some choice along the way. This tool is great because learners can instantly check whether or not they performed the transformation correctly. If incorrect, learners can start over and try again.